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Ireland-Japan 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

The year 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. An exciting programme of cultural, political, community and sporting events has been planned to commemorate this important milestone, as well as to deepen the existing positive relationship between the two countries.

In addition to the events planned by the Embassy of Ireland in Japan, and the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, civil society groups and individuals are taking it upon themselves to celebrate the anniversary in creative ways. In the tabs below you'll find more information about the events already planned - be sure to check back, as we will be adding more in the near future.

If you have an idea for an event, be sure to let us know, and feel free to get involved online by using the hashtag #IrlJpn60.

Ambassador's Welcome Message

Hello, and welcome to the Embassy of Ireland in Japan's dedicated web page for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. As Ireland's Ambassador to Japan, it is my pleasure to preside over this important milestone in the rich and vibrant history between our two countries.

Japan is an important partner for Ireland in Asia. We are likeminded, we share the same values both at home and abroad on the international stage, and we are committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Ireland-Japan relationship spans a wide area of activities in the political, business, economic and cultural spheres. On a people-to-people level we have thriving exchanges through the very successful working holiday and JET programme. The numbers of Irish and Japanese people visiting each other's countries continues to grow each year, and there are active Irish and Japanese interest societies in both countries.

60 years in the Asian Zodiac denotes the transition to a new cycle, or rebirth. I hope that the coming year of celebratory events will give impetus to our ever growing links and increase even further the warm relations between our two countries. I invite you to participate in some of our events this year and to help us to celebrate this important landmark.

Sincerely,

Anne BarringtonAmbassador of Ireland to Japan

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:28:12 BST

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Marking 60 Years

Here you will find useful resources about the Ireland-Japan relationship.

This report by the Institute of International and European Affairs, commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, examines relations between Ireland and Japan across politics, economics, trade and investment, tourism, education and culture.

Sunday, 19 March

Sunday, 19 March

Sunday, 19 March

St. Patrick's Day Parade Tokyo 2017

Irish Network Japan Tokyo

For over twenty years the Irish community in Japan has celebrated St. Patrick's Day with parades and in 2017 we hope they will be bigger and better than ever. Everyone is welcome to get involved, and with 12 parades across Japan in 2016, there's a good chance that there's a parade somewhere near you.

Saturday, 18 March - Sunday, 19 March

I love Ireland Festival 2017

This family-friendly festival, featuring Irish food producers, local Irish bars, traditional and modern Irish acts performing throughout the day and a whole lot more, is a must for anyone looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in 2017 in style.

The I Love Ireland Festival, or ILIF for short, attracted over 50,000 visitors in 2016, and 2017 promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Taking place in Yoyogi Park, the ILIF will be the centrepiece of celebrations in Tokyo on St. Patrick's weekend. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer or as an official sponsor, please visit the ILIF website for more information: www.iloveireland.net

May

Wednesday, 3 May – Friday, 5 May

Thursday, 11 May – Sunday, 28 May (closed on Mondays)

Exhibition: A Lonely Impulse of Delight

This exhibition of paintings is inspired by the writings of the Nobel prize-winning Irish author and poet, William Butler Yeats, and is coming to Japan in May 2016. Taking its name from An Irishman foresees his Death, the exhibition will expose a Japanese audience to both the literary genius of Yeats, and a range of Irish and international artists inspired by his works.

Friday, 16 June – Sunday, 18 June

Saturday, 17 June /Saturday, 24 June

Rugby Test Matches ‘Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2017’ Japan vs Ireland

In June 2017, the senior men's international rugby team will travel from Ireland to Japan to play a series of test matches. With Ireland riding on the crest of a wave following their historic win over New Zealand in November 2016, and the Japanese team setting their sights on glory in their home Rugby World Cup in 2019, this promises to be a tour to remember, with plenty at stake for both sides.

September

Friday, 1 September – Sunday, 10 September

Waiting for Godot performed by Mouth on Fire

In honour of the long-standing relationship between Theatre X (Cai) and Ireland, especially the wonderful troupe Mouth On Fire, and marking the new publication in Japanese of Samuel Beckett's Theatrical Notebooks, a new production of Beckett's seminal work, Waiting for Godot, will be performed in September. The performance, directed by Melissa Nolan and Cathal Quinn, will be a collaboration between Irish and Japanese actors and will be staged at Theatre X in Ryogoku www.theaterx.jp (1-5 September), and in Kyoto's Zoukei University (9, 10 September). For bookings: www.theaterx.jp/17/170901-170905p.php (Tokyo), http://k-pac.org/?p=3331 (Kyoto)

From 14 October

14 October 2017

Ireland Trophy Stakes

The Embassy is delighted to confirm that the Ireland Trophy will return in 2017, with the support of the Japan Racing Association. For the first time the race has been upgraded to a Grade 2 status, and in 2017 we look forward to welcoming racing fans to a very special day at Tokyo Racecourse. Stay tuned for more information as the day approaches.

November-December

Celtic Christmas 2017 - The Chieftains 55th Anniversary tour

Join in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan by coming to see the world's greatest traditional Irish music band, the Chieftains! These legends of traditional music will mark 55 years on the road together in 2017, and on this long awaited return visit to Japan are sure to be a huge attraction for the many, many fans of Irish music here!

Official Logo

As part of the preparations for this year of friendship, a public competition was held to select the official anniversary logo.

Selected out of the 548 entries submitted, the winning design was created by Mr Peter McBride, a graphic designer and photographer who lives in Dublin. The "Harp-Sun" logo symbolises Japan (Sun) and Ireland (Harp) in equal harmony, united to represent solidarity. The Sakura growing beautifiully between the shamrocks on the pillar represents the Irish welcome of the growth of Japanese culture. Likewise, the Irish Harp leaning confidently against the Sun represents the strong support shown by Japan towards Ireland.

The logo will be used throughout 2017, and for all communications related to events associated with the anniversary. Officially recognised events commemorating the anniversary will be entitled to use the official title "Commemorative event of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan" and the logo in all publicity materials.

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:14:42 GMT

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Logo Application Guidelines

Event Endorsement Guidelines for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan in 2017.

Organisers of events will be entitled to use the official name "Commemorative event of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan" in all publicity materials including posters, pamphlets, websites, signboards, and banners. The terms for the granting of official recognition are as follows:

Eligibility

Events should take place in Ireland or Japan between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017.

Events should aim to promote and strengthen Ireland-Japan relations in various fields.

Events should not advocate any particular principle, ideology or religion. They should not violate public order or standards of decency.

Events should not be mainly profit-oriented.

Costs must be fully borne by the organisers.

Privileges of the Event's Recognition

The recognised event will be allowed to use the title of "Commemorative event of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan" as well as the official logo of the 60th anniversary in respective publicity materials (posters, pamphlets, websites, billboards, banners, etc.)

The recognised event will be registered in the Official List of the "Events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan". (It will be publicised on the Embassy website etc.)

How to get approval

The necessary documents together with the following documents should be submitted to the Embassy of Ireland in Japan (in the case of events held in Japan), or the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland Commemorative Events Steering Committee (in the case of events held in Ireland) 1 month prior to the date of the planned event.

The Embassy of Ireland in Japan or the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland Commemorative Events Steering Committee, after such review, will report to the applicant in written form.

Within one week following completion of the event, please submit several photographs (for use on the Embassy website etc.).

With three months following expiration of the date of the event, please submit a summary report. (If it is not possible to submit a summary report within three months for organisational reasons, you are required to submit an interim report and an explanation of the reason why it is not possible. A summary report must be submitted when it becomes possible to do so.)

Application Form, Pledge Form and Pledge Logo Form. Applications must be submitted in English unless specified.

Details of the event (outline/description of the event)

Information on the organiser (outline/description and statute of the organisation, past activities)

The Embassy of Ireland in Japan or the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland Commemorative Events Steering Committee will review the application based on the General Guidelines.

We are unable to return applications, so we recommend you to keep a copy for your own reference.

Any enquiries regarding the screening process will not be responded to.

Should the event be cancelled or in the case of a substantive change which does not comply with the criteria for endorsement, the endorsement and permission for use of the logo and official title may be withdrawn.